My take on Siskind
Aaron Siskind (1903-1991), according to John Paul Caponigro in this article, Literally Abstract, was the preeminent abstract photographer of his time. Born in New York City, he was part of the abstract expressionist movement there in the 1950’s.
Siskind’s images are riddled with poetic gesture, but none of the gestures in his images are made by hand or by him. ~ John Paul Caponigro
They are the actual subject, yet a new way of seeing “the thing itself.”
It’s not surprising then to find that Siskind studied literature and wanted to be a poet. However, while photographing on his honeymoon he discovered the artistic possibilities of photography. Perhaps he could be called a poetic photographer. I’ve also been drawn to similar subjects – graffiti, rust, peeling paint, frayed materials, weathered wood and roads and walls – that when abstracted reveal the extraordinary in what is often considered ordinary.
Watch the trailer in this short clip of Siskind himself (1981).
We look at the world and see what we have learned to believe is there. We have been conditioned to expect … but, as photographers, we must learn to relax our beliefs. ~ Aaron Siskind, Brainy Quotes
Learn More about Siskind
Center for Creative Photography on Siskind
I hope I have told you before how much I appreciate the way you teach through your blog posts. I learn so much when I come here. Thank you for the introduction to Siskind’s work – I love his abstractions.
“We must learn to relax our beliefs”. Wonderful!
Of the photographers that you suggested, I was drawn to the work of Charles Sheeler. I acknowledge that I did not look at the work of very many photographers. But I noted that some seemed to stir up negative emotions – and I quickly looked elsewhere. Likely, my reaction mirrored a situation in my own life at this time. In contrast, Sheeler’s work appealed to me because of its suggestion of strength, solidity, and endurance – a sense of security. Again, this is likely because I need to feel ‘anchored’ during a worrisome time in my life.
Really good self-awareness, Sylvia.